Seven Sloppy Pantry Arrangement Blunders That Spell Disaster for Any Professional Organizer
Down and dirty tips to keep your pantry in shape:
Organizing your pantry like a pro ain't rocket science, but it sure beats cooking in chaos. Here's the lowdown on common pantry flubs and how to dodge 'em.
1. Refusing to zone outSound like a hippie thing? Nah, it's pure efficiency. Professional organizer Di Ter Avest points out that haphazardly stashing snacks with spices and breakfast items in different spots inevitably leads to double-buying and a waste of your precious pantry real estate. Instead, group like items together for better visibility and seamless cooking.
What to do: Create a simple zoning plan to allocate areas for snacks, canned goods, breakfast items, and more. Try Stackable Transparent Pantry Storage Organizers from Amazon to keep things neat.
2. Overloading deep shelvesDeep shelves can be a blessing or a curse when it comes to small pantry organization. Di advises using clever storage solutions like lazy susans for oils and tiered risers for canned goods. This will make it easier to access items and prevent them from getting lost.
What to do: Invest in products like the Extendable Spice Jar Rack from ProCook and the Bamboo Wooden Lazy Susan from Amazon to tackle this common mistake.
3. Skipping labelsYou might think labels are just extra steps, but they're crucial for peace of mind and quick pantry navigation. labels help you glance at clear bins and instantly know what's inside.
What to do: Choose large, easy-to-read labels for clarity. If you're digging for a sleek label maker, check out the Mini Bluetooth Label Maker Machine from Amazon.
4. Holding onto expired foodNo one's gonna cook that oh-so-old cheese hidden behind cans. Let go of outdated items to keep your pantry productive and your family healthy.
What to do: After six months, take an inventory of your pantry and let go of any expired food. Don't forget to give yourself permission to declutter, too, like that quinoa you've yet to master.
5. Ignoring vertical spaceMost pantries have untapped vertical potential, as Di explains. Utilize the back of the pantry door, walls, and doors for extra storage.
What to do: The 8-Tier Over The Door Organizer from Amazon can double your storage, while the CarreGas® Wall Mounted Kitchen Organizer Tray maximizes wall space.
6. Avoiding regular purgingAn overstuffed pantry is the biggest speed bump for an orderly kitchen. Kayleen Kelly advises 6-month to yearly purges of expired food and disliked items to keep your pantry clutter-free.
What to do: Set a reminder on your calendar to declutter your kitchen every six months or when your pantry starts to feel messy.
7. Organizing before declutteringThink acting first, thinking later. Decluttering BEFORE organizing lets you create a tailor-made pantry layout that fits your lifestyle and needs, says Kayleen.
What to do: Before buying those organizing systems, scour your pantry for items you no longer need. This will help you create a functional pantry layout that suits you.
For more inspiring ideas, check out Beautifully Organized: A Guide to Function and Style in Your Home by Nikki Boyd, The Neat Method Organizing Recipe Book, and Minimalista: Your Step-By-Step Guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe, and Life.
Remember to declutter your pantry seasonally, and stay one step ahead of wasted space and stressful cooking sessions. Happy organizing and may your pantry forever be a haven of function and style!
1. Labeling items Labeling your pantry goods is not just an extra step, it's essential for easy navigation and quick identification of items. Use large, easy-to-read labels for clarity, like with a Mini Bluetooth Label Maker Machine from Amazon.
2. Utilizing vertical space Don't overlook the untapped vertical potential in your pantry. Make use of the back of the pantry door, walls, and doors for extra storage with products such as the 8-Tier Over The Door Organizer from Amazon or the CarreGas® Wall Mounted Kitchen Organizer Tray.
3. Employing smart storage solutions Avoid overloading deep shelves by using clever storage solutions such as lazy susans for oils and tiered risers for canned goods. The Extendable Spice Jar Rack from ProCook and the Bamboo Wooden Lazy Susan from Amazon can help tackle this problem.
